Mass produced, low cost, portable test kit for the detection and identification of chemical and biological agents

ABSTRACT

A highly portable, paper and swab-based detection kit is provided for identifying chemical and biological agents. A method of mass manufacture providing low cost kits with long term commercial shelf life and a method of use is also provided.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

The present application is a continuation-in-part of commonly-owned U.S.application Ser. No. 15/094,825, entitled MASS PRODUCED, LOW COST,PORTABLE TEST KIT FOR THE DETECTION AND IDENTIFICATION OF NARCOTICS,filed on Apr. 8, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,759,733, which patent isrelated to commonly-owned U.S. application Ser. No. 14/856,671, entitledPORTABLE LIQUID ANALYZER, filed on Sep. 17, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No.9,989,473. Both patents are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a portable test kit capable ofidentifying the presence of chemical and biological agents, a process toinexpensively mass produce the portable test kit and achieve long termcommercial shelf life in the range of 2 to 3 years, and a method to usethe portable test kit.

BACKGROUND ART

Most commercially available presumptive chemical and biological agentstest devices and available IP and literature, use and describe methodswhich contain hazardous materials and sophisticated packaging which arenot suitable for extremely cheap mass production in simple factorysettings.

These test kits suffer from a variety of manufacture and end useproblems, including but not limited to: (i) kit construction requiresliquid dropper bottles, breakable glass or plastic ampoules, blisterpacks and pressurized aerosol spray cans filled with hazardous liquidreagents; (ii) the presence of hazardous liquid reagents poses problemswith manufacturing and exposure limitations, storage and handling,strict packaging requirements and significant shipping restrictions;(iii) the volume or quantity of liquid reagent consumed during onesingle test is excessive and wasteful adding to costly, bulky and oftenoverly complicated device construction design and packaging; (iv) duringuse, operators may be exposed to sharps and hazardous liquid reagentsplash or overspray; (v) most prior art devices require multi-stepoperations in order to complete a single test; and (vi) none of theprior art kits and devices achieve the bench mark of true low cost massmanufacturing, which would be considered in the range of tens ofmillions of individual units per annum, with a commercial shelf lifespan of 2 to 3 years.

Impregnation of bibulous carriers with reagent solutions is anincredibly inefficient and costly method of presumptive test kitmanufacture. Ultimately, the solvents used to dissolve the powderedreagents must be removed by evaporation. Often the solvents will beaqueous based and acidic in nature, which makes removal from thebibulous carrier hazardous, very costly, and will require verysophisticated laboratory equipment to minimize exposure and corrosion ofthe surrounds. In the event that the bibulous carrier can be dried, itmust still be cut and presented in a kit format for ease of use. Often,this will incorporate plastic injection molded housings, which aremagnitudes of order more expensive than paper based supports.Additionally, the cost of the injection die is excessive. Thealternative low cost paper based solid support carrier option for apresumptive kit is often not possible, as the loaded bibulous carrierstrips resist sticking and adhering to common pressure sensitiveadhesives because of interaction with the impregnated reagent(s) and/orthe pressure sensitive adhesives react with the impregnated reagent(s),destroying the kits.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide a presumptive spot test kitwhich will facilitate identification of chemical and biological agentswithin suspect residues.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a presumptive kit,constructed of paper with color change reagents applied to the surfaceas one or more test zones, and a pre-wetted swab with non-hazardousco-solvents to facilitate enhanced suspect residue collection.

Embodiments of the present invention provide an extremely portablepresumptive test kit, which has true low cost and mass manufacturecapability on the order of millions of units per annum, while achievinga commercial kit shelf life, on the order of several years, with areduced false detection rate.

Embodiments of the present invention also provide a method of kitmanufacture and use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a diagnostic test paper made inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a swab made in accordance with thepresent invention; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a package into which a test paper and swab may behermetically sealed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The described features, structures, or characteristics of the inventionmay be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Inthe following description, numerous specific details are provided toprovide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. Oneskilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the inventioncan be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or withother methods, components and so forth. In other instances, well-knownstructures, materials, or operations are not shown or described indetail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

Chemical and Biological Agents are divided into several categories basedon their mode of action on an organism.

-   -   Blister agents:        -   sulfur mustard (H, HD);        -   nitrogen mustard (HN);        -   lewisite (L);        -   phosgene oxime (CX).    -   Blood agents:        -   hydrogen cyanide (AC)—Liquid, BP 26 deg cel. Volatile;        -   cyanogen chloride (CK);        -   arsine (SA). Lewisite (L) Adamsite.    -   Nerve agents (nerve agents belong chemically to the group of        organo-phosphorus compounds):        -   Tabun, O-ethyl dimethylamidophosphorylcyanide (GA);        -   Sarin, isopropyl methylphosphonofluoridate (GB);        -   Soman, pinacolyl methylphosphonofluoridate (GD);        -   Cyclohexyl methylphosphonofluoridate (GF);        -   O-ethyl S-diisopropylaminomethyl methylphosphonothiolate            (VX).    -   Psychotomimetic agents:        -   3-quinuclidinylbenzilate (BZ);        -   LSD.    -   Toxins:        -   Bacterial toxins;        -   Plant toxins.

Contrary to the prior approaches for the presumptive identification ofchemical and biological agents, the inventor has discovered thatpresumptive polyvalent ion powdered salts, carbohydrates and polyols andcolor change reagents can be successfully mixed with and/or made intoencapsulating polymer solutions and printed onto any solid supportstructure, to be shaped and packaged. In combination with a simplecotton swab, such as a Q-tip® swab, which has been pre-wetted with anon-hazardous solvent and packaged, Embodiments of the present inventionprovide a low cost, mass producible, portable test kit for thepresumptive identification of chemical and biological agents.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a diagnostic test paper 10 made inaccordance with this invention. The test paper 10 comprises a solidsupport surface or article 1; one or more encapsulated colorimetricreagents (CR) 2, 4, printed at one or more locations onto the supportsurface 1; a physical gap or void 3 between the individual encapsulatedreagent deposition interstices 2, 4 on the solid support surface 1 toprevent chemical interaction.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a swab 30, such as a Q-tip® swab,made in accordance with the present invention. The swab 30 comprises acotton tip matrix 7, dry or pre-wetted with one or more non-hazardoussolvents, attached to one end of a handle 8.

Solid Support

Suitable solid support surfaces or substrates to which the encapsulatedpresumptive reagents can be applied, is dictated only by end userequirements. In accordance with the current invention and withoutlimitation, in some embodiments the solid support substrate 1 is paper,such as 100-400 gsm white, acid free, card sheet.

Sample Swab

In order to maximize solubility of both the suspect residue of chemicaland biological agents and the presumptive test reagents, a suitablenon-hazardous solvent and/or solvent mix provided in combination with aswabbing device. Numerous swab and co-solvent devices can be preparedincluding, but not limited to, a pre-wetted cotton swab and/orco-solvent shaft filled pop or snap swabs.

In one embodiment a kit 10, the sample swab 30 is a pre-wetted,co-solvent, cotton swab 30. Numerous swab/solvent devices can beprepared including, but not limited to, dip impregnation, shaft-handlefill and pop or snap swabs. Pre-impregnation of swabs may be achieved inmass by fully automated dip or spray machinery.

The swab 30 may be a polypropylene handle 8 with a cotton filamentmatrix head 7. The sample swab may be dry or pre-impregnated withsolvent to improve solubility of both CWA/BA and CR, maximizingsensitivity and color indication reactions. By way of example only, asuitable co-solvent is Iso-Propyl Alcohol ad-mixed with DimethylSulphoxide. This co-solvent mix offers broad spectrum solubility oftarget and dry reagent compounds, while intensifying presumptive colorchange reactions. The combination of IPA with DMSO prevents freezing ofsolvents during long term storage and use in low temperatureenvironments. This solvent combination also offers intensifyingpresumptive color change reactions, is non-hazardous, and has anextremely low cost. The volume of solvent required for pre-impregnationis in the range of 0.05-0.15 mL per swab.

Colorimetric Reagents

Colorimetric reagents (CR) may be selected according to at least: (a)liquid CR affinity for pre-adsorption onto dry, inert binders andsubsequent milling into micronized powders; (b) powder CR affinity formilling into micronized powders; (c) degree of hygro-scopicity; (d)interaction with inert liquid diluents required for print manufacture;(e) level of UV and ambient condition degradation; and (f) selectivityfor and color reaction intensity with CWA and BA.

Chemical Warfare Agent Detection

Without limitation, suitable CR capable of detecting gas and liquidphase pH changes may be selected from a group comprising: cresol red,methyl violet, crystal violet, ethyl violet, malachite green, methylgreen, 2-(p-dimethylaminophenylazo)pyridine, paramethyl red, metanilyellow, 4-phenylazodiphenylamine, metacresol purple, orange IV,4-o-tolylazo-o-toluidine, quinaldine red,4,4′-bis(4-amino-1-naphthylazo)-2,2′-stilbenedisulfonic acid,p-naphtholbenzein, phenolphthalein, o-cresolphthalein, ethylbis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)ethanoate, Thymolphthalein, alizarin yellow R,alizarin, p-(2,4-dihydroxyphenylazo) benzenesulfonic acid-sodium salt,5,5′-indigodisulfonic acid-disodium salt, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene,1,3,5-trinitrobenzene, and clayton yellow.

Without limitation, suitable CR capable of detecting gas and liquidphase changes may be selected from a group comprising: merocyanine dyes,4-[2-N-substituted-1,4-hydropyridin-4-ylidine)ethylidene]cyclohexa-2,5-di-en-1-one,red pyrazolone dyes, azomethine dyes, indoaniline dyes, diazamerocyaninedyes, indigoid dyes2,6-diphenyl-4-(2,4,6-triphenylpyridinium-1-yl)phenolate,1-ethyl-4-(methoxycarbonyl)pyridiniumiodide,5-(dimethylamino)-5′-nitro-2,2′-bisthiophene,(2,4,6-triphenyl-I-pyridinio)-2,6-diphenylphenolate, and alizarin red s.

Without limitation, suitable CR capable of detecting the presence ofliquid and solids comprising reactive nitrogen is determined by chemicalreagents selected from a group comprising:6-amino-1-naphthol-3-sulphonic acid, zinc, diphenylbenzidine,phenylanthranilic acid, aniline sulfate, diphenylamine, ethylenediamine,N-1 naphthyl dihydrochloride, potassium iodide, bismuth nitrate, andsodium hydrogen sulphate, hexachloroplatinic(IV) acid hydrate.

Without limitation, suitable CR capable of detecting the presence ofvolatile CWA (solid, liquid, gas) may be selected from a groupcomprising: sodium iodoplatinate, Alkyl magnesium bromide (Grignardreagent), B-napthol, selenious acid, indophenol blue, silver nitrate,Grignard's sodium iodide, sodium nitroprusside, quinone dichlorimide,mercuric nitrate, sodium iodide, N-chloramide, zinc Sulfate-MolybdicAcid, argentic nitrate, mercuric chloride, cuprous iodide,diphenylthiocarbazone, di-p-biphenylthiocarbazone,di-o-phenoxyphenylthiocarbazone, dianisylpropylene,p,p′-dinitrostilbene-o,o′-disodium sulfonate, 5-(or 8-)nitroisoquinoline, sodium iodoplatinate, chloroplatinic acid,phosphomolybdic acid, Mayer's reagent (KHgI2), metanil-yellow,N-chloramide, diphenylthiocarbazone, potassium iodide and starch,acidified phloxine, p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde andsyn-trimethoxybenzene, p-nitrobenzyl bromide,4-(4-nitrobenzyl)pyridine-tetraethylenepentamine, palladium chloride,bromophthalein, anisaldehyde, 4-aminopyridine, 2-methylthioacridone,trichlorobenzoquinoneimide, zinc hexacyanoferrate, cupric acetate,malachite green, and p,p′-tetramethyldiaminodiphenylmethane (tetrabase).

Biological Agent Detection

Without limitation, suitable CR capable of detecting BA may be selectedfrom a group comprising: acid fuschin, alcian blue 8gx, alizarin red s,9-amino-6-chloro-2-methoxyacridine, aniline blue, auramine o, azure b,N,N′-[1,2-ethanediylbis(oxy-2,1-phenylene)]bis[N-(carboxymethyl)-,benzothiazolium, 2,2′-[1,3propanediylbis[(dimethyliminio)-3,1-propanediyl-1(4H)-pyridinyl-4-ylidenemethylidyne]]bis[3-methyl-,iodide (1:4), brilliant cresyl blue, calcein, congo red, crystal violet,di-8-anepps, dihydroethidium, dihydrorhodamine 123, eosin b, fast greenfcf, bicinchoninic acid, sodium carbonate, sodium potassium tartrate,sodium hydroxide, copper sulphate, pyrogallol red, sodium molybdate,succinic acid, sodium benzoate sodium oxalate, methanol, coomassie blueG-250, ethanol, phosphoric acid, and phosphomolybdate, phosphotungstate.

Reagent and Encapsulating Polymer Mixing

In embodiments of the present invention, raw CR product may beindividually micronized in suitable a agitation mill system such as alaboratory ball, crusher, shaker mill, or the like. The process producesa sub-micron size powder capable of undergoing laydown printapplications.

The fine CR powder may be added to inert liquid diluents which double assolid support binding agents during the printing process. The twocomponents may be combined in a high speed impeller mixer or shaker orsimilar system until an homogenized suspension is obtained. Withoutlimitation, the liquid diluents may be selected from a list includingbut not limited to: acrylic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, amino cross-linkingagents, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, glycol-ethers, styrene, polyester, vinylchloride, polyethylene, natural gums, poly-ethers and polyamides. Theviscosity of the homogenized CR suspension may be adjusted using inertbulking agents including but not limited to silica, diatomaceous earthand mixtures of liquid diluent and combinations thereof.

Reagent Deposition

Deposition of the powdered reagent(s) mixture onto the dry solid supportmay be achieved by any suitable large scale printing system usingstandard factory equipment. For example, letterpress, rotary gravure,screen printing, tampography, wax printing, contact dosing, ultrasonicsputter, and spray and drop on demand printing may be used. In oneembodiment, the preferred printing system includes screen printing usingfully automated roll to roll, 32-62 mesh, multi-layer, high durability,UV cured screens. The printing system further includes downstreamdrying, guillotining, vertical/horizontal form fill seal capability,with additional individual strip and pouch numbering.

Drying the CR coated solid support may be achieved by any large volumedrying process including but not limited to: fan forced heated air, UVor IR cure.

During production, representative, live sample, in house, batch testingof printed sheet product. Quarterly, representative, live sample, inhouse, batch testing of printed strip product, through years 1, 2 and 3post production.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the individual dried encapsulated chemicalreagents 2, 4 may be printed onto the solid support article 1 separatedby a physical space 3 between the individual encapsulated reagentdeposition interstices 2, 4, thus preventing chemical interaction andcontamination of the reagents 2, 4 and maintain selectivity andreactivity for target molecule(s) and ion(s).

Packaging

In one embodiment of the present invention, the test kit, comprisingboth the sample collection swab 30 and a printed dry reagent test strip10, may be packaged individually in separate, moisture and UV resistantpackages 40 (FIG. 3) prior to use. Preferably the package 40 is atear-open, form, fill, and seal sachet. The sachet 40 may be constructedfrom commercially available Paper/PET12 um/AL7 um/PE50 product, which isan extremely cheap, mass produced material. Individual pre-wetted sampleswabs 30 and individual printed dry reagent test strips 10 beautomatically packaged into individual sachets 40 by vertical and/orhorizontal form fill seal machines.

Each test kit may include a test strip 10 printed with several CR 2, 4,thus achieving broad spectrum detection of CWA and BA. Kit manufacturemay utilize various approaches, in order to prevent CR degradation andmaintain long term (i.e. several years) CR viability. Withoutlimitation, such approaches may include: direct printing of mixed CRsuspension, where reaction between individual CR on a single test strip10 does not occur; overlay printing of individual CR; individual CRsuspensions printed with a physical separation or void 3 FIG. 1) betweenthe boundary edge of one dried CR zone 2 and the next dried CR zone 4.The void 3 between dry CR zones 2, 4 on the solid support surface 1 maybe a minimum of 1 mm. In addition, the printing of the CR suspension 2,4 to the solid support 1 drying step occurs immediately post print.Finally, the shaped article is packaged within atmospheric, UV andmoisture resistant packaging pouches 40.

Use of Kit

The kit (test strip 10 and swab 30, in the sealed package 40) may becarried in a pocket, belt case, glove box, brief case, etc. When asuspect residue or object is observed, both the sampling swab 30 andpresumptive reagent strip 10 are removed from the sachet packaging 40.The swab 30 is rubbed into the suspect residue, liquid, gel, solidand/or across suitable surfaces for several seconds, to facilitate thecollection of a representative sample of the suspect residue. The swab30 with the collected sample is then rubbed through the colorimetricreagent test zones 2, 4 on the paper strip 1 for several seconds,facilitating a rapid yes/no positive/negative colorimetric indication onthe test strip 1 or swab 30 for the presence of target chemical orbiological agents.

BENEFITS

Embodiments of test kits the present invention provide numerous benefitsover existing test methods. Among such benefits:

The test kits of the present invention replace the need for sampleworkup and preparation in a laboratory setting as required by TLCanalysis and remove the hazardous liquified diazonium salt spray orother hazardous liquid reagents, with a miniature, highly portable, drystabilized diazonium salt test strip. Sample preparation, laboratoryequipment, and numerous sequential steps are not required to perform thetest.

The test kits of the present invention replace all sophisticatedlaboratory procedures and equipment, with a single step diazonium saltencapsulation and paper strip laydown methodology. The test kits do notrequire breakable ampoule packaging, and prevent solvents like DMSO fromfreezing by the addition of non-hazardous, low cost co-solvent. Further,single test kits are designed for mass manufacture at low cost with a 2to 3 year shelf life and have a greatly reduced false indication rate.

The description of the present invention has been presented for purposesof illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Theembodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention, the practical application, and to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable detection kit for identifying thepresence of a target chemical or biological agent, comprising: a firsthomogenous suspension of a first dry chemical powder colorimetricreagent (CR) mixed with an inert liquid diluent, deposited and driedonto at least a first portion of a solid support article; a swab devicepre-wetted with a solvent to facilitate the collection and transfer of asuspected chemical or biological agent residue to the coated solidsupport article and upon contacting the residue with the coated solidsupport article and mixing all components together on the coated solidsupport article, a known visual colorimetric indication is producedidentifying a class of an unknown target chemical or biological agentpresent in the suspect residue; and a light, air, and moisture proofpackage into which the coated solid support article and the swab deviceare individual hermetically sealed prior to use.
 2. The portabledetection kit as in claim 1, wherein the first CR comprises a drymicronized powder which undergoes a characteristic color change whencombined with a target chemical agent.
 3. The portable detection kit asin claim 2, wherein the first CR is selected from the group consistingof: cresol red, methyl violet, crystal violet, ethyl violet, malachitegreen, methyl green, 2-(p-dimethylaminophenylazo)pyridine, paramethylred, metanil yellow, 4-phenylazodiphenylamine, metacresol purple, orangeIV, 4-o-tolylazo-o-toluidine, quinaldine red,4,4′-bis(4-amino-1-naphthylazo)-2,2′-stilbenedisulfonic acid,p-naphtholbenzein, phenolphthalein, o-cresolphthalein, ethylbis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)ethanoate, Thymolphthalein, alizarin yellow R,alizarin, p-(2,4-dihydroxyphenylazo) benzenesulfonic acid-sodium salt,5,5′-indigodisulfonic acid-disodium salt, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene,1,3,5-trinitrobenzene, and clayton yellow.
 4. The portable detection kitas in claim 2, wherein the first CR is selected from the groupconsisting of: merocyanine dyes,4-[2-N-substituted-1,4-hydropyridin-4-ylidine)ethylidene]cyclohexa-2,5-di-en-1-one,red pyrazolone dyes, azomethine dyes, indoaniline dyes, diazamerocyaninedyes, indigoid dyes2,6-diphenyl-4-(2,4,6-triphenylpyridinium-1-yl)phenolate,1-ethyl-4-(methoxycarbonyl)pyridiniumiodide,5-(dimethylamino)-5′-nitro-2,2′-bisthiophene,(2,4,6-triphenyl-I-pyridinio)-2,6-diphenylphenolate, alizarin red s. 5.The portable detection kit as in claim 4, wherein the first CR comprisesa dry micronized powder which undergoes characteristic color change whencombined with a target biological agent.
 6. The portable detection kitas in claim 5, wherein the first CR is selected from the groupconsisting of: acid fuschin, alcian blue 8gx, alizarin red s,9-amino-6-chloro-2-methoxyacridine, aniline blue, auramine o, azure b,N,N′-[1,2-ethanediylbis(oxy-2,1-phenylene)]bis[N-(carboxymethyl)-,benzothiazolium, 2,2′-[1,3propanediylbis[(dimethyliminio)-3,1-propanediyl-1(4H)-pyridinyl-4-ylidenemethylidyne]]bis[3-methyl-, iodide (1:4),brilliant cresyl blue, calcein, congo red, crystal violet, di-8-anepps,dihydroethidium, dihydrorhodamine 123, eosin b, fast green fcf,bicinchonininic acid, sodium carbonate, sodium potassium tartrate,sodium hydroxide, copper sulphate, pyrogallol red, sodium molybdate,succinic acid, sodium benzoate sodium oxalate, methanol, coomassie blueG-250, ethanol, phosphoric acid, and phosphomolybdate, phosphotungstate.7. The portable detection kit as in claim 2, wherein the first CR isselected from the group consisting of: 6-amino-1-naphthol-3-sulphonicacid, zinc, diphenylbenzidine, phenylanthranilic acid, aniline sulfate,diphenylamine, ethylenediamine, N-1 naphthyl dihydrochloride, potassiumiodide, bismuth nitrate, and sodium hydrogen sulphate,hexachloroplatinic(IV) acid hydrate.
 8. The portable detection kit as inclaim 2, wherein the first CR is selected from the group consisting of:sodium iodoplatinate, Alkyl magnesium bromide (Grignard reagent),B-napthol, selenious acid, indophenol blue, silver nitrate, Grignard'ssodium iodide, sodium nitroprusside, quinone dichlorimide, mercuricnitrate, sodium iodide, N-chloramide, zinc Sulfate-Molybdic Acid,argentic nitrate, mercuric chloride, cuprous iodide,diphenylthiocarbazone, di-p-biphenylthiocarbazone,di-o-phenoxyphenylthiocarbazone, dianisylpropylene,p,p′-dinitrostilbene-o,o′-disodium sulfonate, 5-(or 8-)nitroisoquinoline, sodium iodoplatinate, chloroplatinic acid,phosphomolybdic acid, Mayer's reagent (KHgI2), metanil-yellow,N-chloramide, diphenylthiocarbazone, potassium iodide and starch,acidified phloxine, p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde andsyn-trimethoxybenzene, p-nitrobenzyl bromide,4-(4-nitrobenzyl)pyridine-tetraethylenepentamine, palladium chloride,bromophthalein, anisaldehyde, 4-aminopyridine, 2-methylthioacridone,trichlorobenzoquinoneimide, zinc hexacyanoferrate, cupric acetate,malachite green, and p,p′-tetramethyldiaminodiphenylmethane (tetrabase).9. The portable detection kit as in claim 1, wherein the inert liquiddiluent is selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, polyvinylalcohol, amino cross-linking agents, polyvinyl pyrrolidone,glycol-ethers, styrene, polyester, vinyl chloride, polyethylene, naturalgums, poly-ethers, and polyamides.
 10. The portable detection kit as inclaim 1, wherein the first homogeneous suspension further comprises aninert bulking agent.
 11. The portable detection kit as in claim 1,wherein the swab device comprises: a handle; and an absorbent matrixcollection tip for surface sample collection and physical mixing of thesuspect residue and the first homogenous suspension.
 12. The portabledetection kit as in claim 11, wherein the inert bulking agent isselected from the group consisting of silica, diatomaceous earth,mixtures of liquid diluent, and combinations thereof.
 13. The portabledetection kit as in claim 1, further comprising a second homogenoussuspension of a second CR deposited and dried onto a second portion ofthe solid support item separated from the first portion.
 14. Theportable detection kit as in claim 1, wherein the coated solid supportarticle is formed into a strip.
 15. The portable detection kit as inclaim 1, wherein the solid support article is selected from the groupconsisting of glass, metal, paper, textiles, organic membranes,inorganic membranes, natural fibers, and synthetic fibers.
 16. Theportable detection kit as in claim 11, wherein the swab tip comprises adry tip.
 17. The portable detection kit as in claim 11, wherein the swabtip comprises a tip pre-wetted with a solvent.
 18. The portabledetection kit as in claim 17, wherein the pre-wetted solvent comprisesan aqueous solvent or an organic solvent.
 19. The portable detection kitas in claim 18, wherein the organic solvent is selected from the groupconsisting of alcohols, acetone, chlorinated hydrocarbons, dimethylsulfoxide, and organic acids.
 20. The portable detection kit as in claim18, wherein the aqueous solvent is selected from the group consisting ofwater, mineral acids and alkali.
 21. The portable detection kit as inclaim 1, wherein the package comprises a layer of a PET or cellulosicmaterial, a layer of aluminum, and a layer of a Poly Ethylene material.22. The portable detection kit as in claim 21, wherein: the layer of aPET or cellulosic material is approximately 12 microns thick; the layerof aluminum is approximately 7 microns thick; and the layer of a PolyEthylene material is approximately 50 microns thick.
 23. A method ofproviding a portable detection kit for identifying the presence of atarget chemical or biological agent, comprising: mixing a homogenoussuspension of a dry chemical powder colorimetric reagent (CR) with aninert liquid diluent; depositing the homogeneous suspension onto a solidsupport article; drying the homogeneous suspension to coat the solidsupport article; pre-wetting a swab device with a solvent to facilitatethe collection and transfer of a suspected chemical or biological agentresidue to the coated solid support article and upon contacting theresidue with the coated solid support article and mixing all componentstogether on the solid support article, a known visual colorimetricindication is produced thereby identifying a class of an unknown targetchemical or biological agent present in the suspect residue; andhermetically sealing the coated solid support article and the swabdevice in a light, air, and moisture proof package prior to use.
 24. Themethod as in claim 23, further comprising processing the CR in a ball,crusher, or shaker mill to produce a sub-micron mesh size powder. 25.The method as in claim 24, further comprising mixing the CR with aninert liquid diluent in mixing containers and high speed shaker beds orin rotary impeller mixers.
 26. The method as in claim 23, whereindepositing the homogenous suspension onto the solid support articlecomprises an automated commercial printing process.
 27. The method as inclaim 23, wherein the commercial printing process is selected from thegroup consisting of letterpress, rotary gravure, screen printing,tampography, wax printing, contact dosing, ultrasonic sputter, and dropon demand printing.
 28. The method as in claim 23, wherein drying thedeposited homogenous suspension comprises a process selected from thegroup consisting of UV, IR, and hot air cure.
 29. The method as in claim23, further comprising forming the coated solid support article into apredetermined shape by a process selected from the group consisting ofinjection molding, pressure forming, guillotining, and die-cutting. 30.The method as in claim 23, wherein depositing the homogenous suspensioncomprises depositing a plurality of homogenous suspensions, eachcomprising a different CR, onto the solid support article, the pluralityof homogenous suspensions separated by physical voids therebetween. 31.The method as in claim 23, further comprising hermetically sealing thecoated solid support article and the swab device in the package byvertical or horizontal form fill seal packaging systems.
 32. The methodaccording to claim 23, further comprising testing for the presence of atarget chemical or biological agent by: removing the coated solidsupport and swab device from the sealed package; rubbing an object withthe swab device to transfer a molecule or ion of an unknown suspectresidue from the object to the swab device; contacting the swab devicewith the homogenous suspension on the solid support article to transferthe molecule or ion to the homogenous suspension; and rubbing the swabdevice through the homogenous suspension on the solid support article tomix together the suspect residue, the homogenous suspension, and theswab wetting solvent; whereby a chemical reaction is facilitated toproduce a presumptive colorimetric indication of the presence of atarget chemical or biological agent if a target chemical or biologicalagent is present.